Strikes draw support from Cambridge MP

Daniel Zeichner, Cambridge’s MP, spoke to over 40 students and staff at Friday’s (18/02) solidarity rally for staff involved in UCU’s current industrial action. 

The rally was held online after a morning of digital picket lines. Originally planned as an in person event, UCU made the decision to cancel in-person activities for the day following safety fears over Storm Eunice. 

Zeichner recalled how he had spent more than 10 years working for Unison, the UK’s largest trade union, and said it had left him “all too familiar” with employment disputes. He told attendees he had “lost count of the number of times I have joined you and others on the picket lines” over recent years.

He expressed support for the aims of the strikes, telling attendees that fair pensions are necessary both to “maintain standards of living for everyone involved for the viability of our higher education sector.” He also attacked the “far, far too many temporary contracts” that many University staff are employed under.

Condemning the “commodification of higher education,” he argued that universities should aim to widen participation from students from marginalised backgrounds. Highlighting his personal stake in social mobility, he spoke of his own “transformative” time at Cambridge, where he studied History at King’s College.

He added that it was “very pleasing to see” such huge support for the strikes from the student body, and said it was lovely to see “so many people getting involved” with strike support.

He told union members to “stand strong” and that he was “with you in spirit” as he held up his fist as a symbol of solidarity. Ending his speech, he wished staff “good luck in the many weeks, and I fear months, ahead.” 

Activists thanked him for his “unequivocal support” for the strikes, and for illuminating how this “personal” fight fits into the wider political landscape.

Daniel Zeichner is the Labour MP for Cambridge and is currently acting Shadow Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Featured image credits: Rebekah Treganna